Many people
nowadays are turning to “organics” and “naturals” otherwise known as herbals.
The rising popularity of herbal supplements has created a new fad if not a new
health lifestyle. But before you join the bandwagon, here are some things you
need to know about this mean, “green” dietary supplementing machine.
What is the difference
between a drug and a dietary supplement?
According
to the definition set by food and drug administrations in different countries,
drugs are chemicals that can prevent, prolong the life, treat other effects of
a health condition, improve the quality of life, and/or cure ailments and
diseases, or alter the function of any part or chemicals inside the body. These
drugs have approved therapeutic claims. For example, paracetamol is a drug
given to bring down the body temperature in fever. Ascorbic acid is indicated
for the treatment of scurvy. Iron supplements are given to treat mild cases of
anemia.
Herbal
supplements are not classified as drugs but as dietary supplements. The main
difference is that they do not have approved therapeutic claims unlike in the
case of drugs. Moreover, dietary supplements could either contain vitamins,
minerals, herbals, or amino acids, all aimed to add to or supplement the diet
of an individual. They are not intended to be taken alone as a substitute to
any food or medicine.
Most of the
manufactured medicines we now have once came from animals and plants. Through
the years, chemists isolated the life-saving or life-curing components and
separated them from the harmful ones. This lead to the further drug research
and drug development that lead to the production of a different variety of
drugs for many ailments and conditions from synthetic sources. But still we
have semi-synthetic drugs, as well as drug that more or less approximate more
natural composition. Since herbal supplements are made from a mixture of crude
herbs reduced into powder or gel form, and later on packaged as tablets and
capsules, there is a possibility that life-threatening or at least body
chemistry-altering components are still present, thus the expression of concern
from the medical community.
Is there a growing concern
with the use of herbal supplements?
Yes. With
the rising popularity of using and consuming anything herbal or organic is the
proliferation of fake herbal supplements that threaten to endanger lives. If
that’s the case, then why are herbal supplements given drug administration
approvals? One way of ensuring the safety of the people is to have all candidate
drugs, food, drinks, and dietary supplements registered with the proper
authority. Otherwise, they would pose more risk with these things being sold in
the black market for a hefty sum. We could ensure the quality and safety of
herbal supplements if they get proper classification with the food and drug
administration. Moreover, people may be able to file the proper complaints in
the event a worsening of health condition is proven to be linked to the use of
a particular herbal supplement.
Is using herbal
supplements worth the risk?
Yes. It
cannot be discounted that many who have tried herbal supplements experienced an
improvement in their health—whether this is due to the herbals themselves or
due to a placebo effect, as long as they do not worsen the condition of an
individual, then using them is worth the risk. But of course, certain things
must be considered before taking those herbal supplements:
Your doctor knows best
First of
all, clear your condition with your doctor. Ask him/her if taking a particular
herbal supplement is safe given your health condition. People with heart,
liver, or kidney trouble or malfunction, are usually not advised to take these,
or at the minimum is to take these herbals in minimum amounts. All substances
pass through the liver and kidney to be processed and filtered respectively.
Kava, which is used to relieve people from stress, has been pulled out from the
Canadian, Singaporean, and German markets because it contains substances that
cause liver damage. Certain herbals such as Ephedra used for losing weight,
contains chemicals with heart-inducing effects that can increase heart rate,
which in turn can exhaust the heart and cause heart attacks in several
documented cases by the American Medical Association.
Follow the directions for
use.
Never take
more herbal supplements than what is directed by the doctor or as instructed on
the bottle. Each individual reacts differently to the components of herbal
supplements. While it is perfectly safe for one individual to take in a
supplement of primrose oil capsules, another person may be allergic to it. So,
do not even think about downing one bottle of something without the advice of
your medical herbalist.
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